If the Boston Celtics plan on making it to the Eastern Conference Finals, they’d better avoid finishing the season with a #1 ,#2 or #3 seed.

Finishing the season with either seed would set them up with a possible match-up against the Atlanta Hawks in the 2nd Round of the playoffs.  And based on their regular season meetings, that would effectively end Boston’s season.

Tonight, the Atlanta Hawks completed the season sweep (4-0) over the Boston Celtics with a 100-91 victory at Phillips Arena.  Jamal Crawford had 28 and Joe Johnson had 27, as they continued their dominant play against the Celtics’ defense.

Joe Johnson scored 16 points in the fourth quarter.

Atlanta won this game by out-shooting Boston, 47% (37-78) to 42% (31-74).  The Celtics are among the league leaders in field goal defense (2nd in the NBA allowing 43%), but the Hawks are able to attack with a two-pronged approach.  Johnson, an All-Star for the 4th straight season, and Crawford provide the Hawks with two players who are equally able to break down the Boston defense off the dribble.  This ability generates ball movement which, if done effectively, can soften up the toughest defenses.  This has been the attribute that sets the Hawks apart from other teams, and enables them to give the Celtics fits.

Apart from Paul Pierce’s impressive performance (11-15 FG, 12-13 FT, 35 points), the Celtics had little else going to them.  Ray Allen struggled (4-13 FG) and Kevin Garnett had a modest game (15 points, 7 rebounds).  First time All-Star Rajon Rondo dished out 8 assists, but was only 3-13 from the field.

Last year, it was Boston that swept the season series over the Hawks.  However, the addition of Crawford has seemingly turned it all around for Atlanta.  If he keeps up his great play, his Hawks may very well be rewarded with a postseason sweep over the Celtics.